15 days in Finland Itinerary

Combining vast Nordic wilderness with bustling hip cities, Finland offers something to delight and surprise all its visitors. Generally speaking, the northern region is populated by unspoiled pine forests, glistening blue lakes, and a plethora of interesting wildlife, while the south is home to the nation's thoroughly modern urban centers. Although Finland holds the title of most sparsely populated county in the European Union, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in cities like Helsinki, Espoo, and Tampere are often packed with fun-loving Finns. Do bring your dancing shoes, but don't forget your hiking boots either--you'll want to make use of the country's 37 national parks, spread throughout this "Land of a Thousand Lakes."

There are many things that distinguish the autonomous Aland Islands from the rest of Finland, including the fact that they have their own parliament, issue their own stamps, and speak Swedish as the official language. The archipelago, situated in the Gulf of Bothnia, includes over 6,000 islands, of which about 80 are inhabited. Many of the area's dining and accommodation options can be found on the picturesque main island, where 90 percent of the population resides. Natural beauty and an assortment of historical buildings make the islands an attractive holiday option. With a very flat landscape, cycling is one of the most popular, efficient, and enjoyable ways to get around. Regular ferries hop between the isles.